Best Cozy Restaurants in Branford

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

New Haven

Neighborhoods

BranfordEast HavenNew HavenNorth Haven

Top Rated

CharmingGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunchGreat for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

22 restaurants available nearby

1. Saltbrick Prime

4.3

Awesome(108)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Branford

Booked 7 times today

At Saltbrick Prime we are committed to sourcing the finest ingredients and unparalleled attention to detail with a menu that showcases the best in prime steaks and seafood, featuring beef dry-aged with our U.S. patented process. The elegant ambiance, impeccable service, and expertly crafted cocktails add to the overall experience, making Saltbrick Prime the go-to choice for any special occasion or night out.

2. HOME

4.7

Exceptional(217)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Branford

Booked 2 times today

What does home feel like? In our welcoming space, we craft a variety of delicious comfort food dishes to give you that feeling every time you visit. Comfort foods with a twist and nothing but local support is our specialty!

A photo of The Essex Brasserie restaurant

3. The Essex Brasserie

4.2

Awesome(74)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• French • Branford

Chef Colt Taylor, celebrated for his culinary gem, The Essex in Old Saybrook, is proud to announce the opening of The Essex Brasserie in Branford, Connecticut, This is comfort food at its finest.The Essex Brasserie showcases Chef Taylor’s innovative approach to French cuisine with a focus on local ingredients and bold flavors. The menu features classic French dishes, including many of the favorites at The Essex. Among the highlights:Lobster Bisque, Clam Chowders & French Onion SoupThe Wagyu BurgerBeef Wellington served with pomme purée, haricot verts, and bordelaiseFluke Meunière: A zesty and flavorful dish with peanut chile crisp Moules Frites: Fresh mussels offered in three unique stylesThe famous Essex Lobster & Beet Fusilli

A photo of Lobster Shack - East Haven restaurant

4. Lobster Shack - East Haven

4.8

Exceptional(18)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • East Haven

Booked 2 times today

The Lobster Shack is located on the beautiful Connecticut shoreline in East Haven. If you're searching for Connecticut's Best Lobster Roll then visit us!

A photo of Bistro Mediterranean and Tapas Bar - East Haven restaurant

5. Bistro Mediterranean and Tapas Bar - East Haven

4.5

Awesome(63)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • New Haven

The Bistro Mediterranean and Tapas Bar of East Haven, CT has a simple philosophy to provide an exceptional meal with superior service. We hope that every guest at the Bistro Mediterranean and Tapas Bar will enjoy the warm and relaxed Mediterranean-style atmosphere. As in the Spanish and Mediterranean countryside, we provide you a fine dining experience and attentive, leisurely service so you may take the time to enjoy your meal in pleasant surroundings. By using Spanish and Mediterranean influences, we delight in creating innovative dishes, using only the freshest ingredients in the Mediterranean style. Our dishes are not only a treat for your palette but also considered one of the best diets for your health.

A photo of Steakhouse at Millpond Gathering restaurant

6. Steakhouse at Millpond Gathering

4.5

Awesome(412)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • North Haven

Booked 8 times today

Steakhouse at Millpond Gathering is a cozy restaurant with a warm and inviting atmosphere. Reviewers describe it as having a 'beautiful setting', 'great ambiance' and a 'rustic, charming space'. The venue's relaxed and inviting atmosphere, coupled with its farm-to-table modern American steakhouse menu, make it a cozy spot for dining.

7. Siena New Haven

4.8

Exceptional(251)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • New Haven

Booked 1 time today

Located inside The Blake Hotel, welcome to Siena New Haven... a bridge where Italian tradition meets modern contemporary flare. Antipasti, artisanal crostini, from scratch pasta, and so much more available to you. Our menu features a carefully curated cocktail program and extensive wine list. Siena New Haven is located on the lobby floor. Guests can also visit the High George by Siena - New Haven's premiere rooftop bar, located on the 6th floor and open year round. It is outfitted with a full bar and lighter food options. High George by Siena Rooftop is open Thursday through Saturday. Reservations are recommended, but not required. We are open to the public and available for semi-private and private events.

A photo of Gioia - Wooster Street New Haven restaurant

8. Gioia - Wooster Street New Haven

4.7

Exceptional(394)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • New Haven

Booked 29 times today

PLEASE NOTE: The rooftop at GIOIA does not accept reservations. Seating is first come, first served. Cheerful Italian food and drink in Wooster Square. Follow us @GioiaNHVOnline reservations are now available through our website!!!

A photo of Pacifico - New Haven, CT restaurant

9. Pacifico - New Haven, CT

4.7

Exceptional(1426)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Latin / Spanish • New Haven

Booked 4 times today

We are located in the heart of downtown New Haven NY times, Zagat, Hartford Courant rated, featuring extraordinary Nuevo-Latino cuisine. Along with traditional tapas, some of our signature dishes include Seafood Paella, Skirt Steak with Chino-Latino stir fried rice, Caramelized Salmon and Dulce de Leche Cheesecake. Among some other favorites are our Sangria and award winning Mojitos (Best Mojito – CT Magazine) which will surely liven your day.

10. Caffe Bravo

4.7

Exceptional(336)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • New Haven

Booked 4 times today

In New Haven, Connecticut, Caffe Bravo is an Italian restaurant that serves up quality authentic Italian dishes and other European specialties. Each of our pastas are house-made. The Caffe Bravo menu has extensive options for any taste, including starters, salads, pasta dishes, and entrees. Caffe Bravo provides only the freshest ingredients and emphasizes classic Italian meals using recipes that have been handed down for generations. Its elegant, cozy dining room & outdoor heated patio provides customers with a relaxed atmosphere that makes the meal even more enjoyable.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

D
Damin
New York City •1 review
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Good experience and the steaks tasted great! Sides weren’t the best, but were def going back to tastes more salt steaks.
More info
Saltbrick PrimePrice: Expensive• American• Branford
•
4.3
J
JoseVIP
Greater Boston •8 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
Would highly recommend this place. The service was prompted and very attentive. The food was excellent and was a good portion.
More info
HOMEPrice: Moderate• American• Branford
•
4.7
M
MarkVIP
Greater Boston •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Wonderful bistro. Relaxed atmosphere, low noise level allowing for conversation, and outstanding food. Terrific addition to the area dining scene.
More info
The Essex BrasseriePrice: Moderate• French• Branford
•
4.2
S
Shenel
New York City •6 reviews
4.0
Dined on Feb 8, 2025
The staff were kind. The place is family friendly and has nice decor for photos. It's not too noisy so you can still hold a conversation without yelling. The food was yummy. I wish my hot lobster roll came with melted butter and the drinks were not very strong. Aside from that I would for sure visit again.
More info
Lobster Shack - East HavenPrice: Expensive• Seafood• East Haven
•
4.8
C
Cynthia
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined on Nov 18, 2024
The service and food is always over the top. It’s a great place to go..
More info
Bistro Mediterranean and Tapas Bar - East HavenPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• New Haven
•
4.5

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